The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD), also claimed as ischemic heart disease, based on the Veteran's METs capacity and lack of evidence of acute congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's CAD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there was no indication of any episodes of acute congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 30 to 50 percent throughout the entire period on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic heart disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 5, 2024
- Citation
- 24001023
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board grants service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus began during his period of active duty service. The claims for ischemic heart disease, aortic valve replacement, status post aortic stenosis, and peripheral vascular disease with popliteal aneurysm are remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left foot bursitis and coronary artery disease, as well as special monthly compensation based on housebound status.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case to obtain a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's ischemic heart disease, as the previous opinions were found inadequate.
- Partly granted
The Board granted restoration of a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) effective June 1, 2021, and increased ratings for mid-sternum scar, left lower extremity (LLE) scar, and migraines to 10%, 20%, and 50% respectively, all effective October 26, 2020.
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